Be An Example

Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.

1 Timothy 4:12

The apostle Paul wrote today’s verse to Timothy, a young pastor. He didn’t want Timothy to be discouraged by those who thought he was too young to lead a church. Paul told Timothy to be an example in what he said and did.

Sometimes people today look down on young people. It’s true that some teens break rules, wreck other people’s property, bully kids, and drive wildly. But there are also teens who are involved in raising money for the homeless, going on short-term mission trips, being tutors and role models for younger students, and doing yard work for the elderly. These young people are making a difference in their corner of the world.

Just as Paul wrote to Timothy, God wants you to be an example too. You can set the standard high for those around you in the words you say, in the way you live, in your love for others, in your relationship with God, and in the way you participate in good things. How can you do that? When others start gossiping or cutting others down, you can change the subject to something that is positive and uplifting. When classmates are fighting with or bullying other students, you can be the one to step up with a smile and a kind word. When other kids are talking about a movie they saw that shows bad values, you can turn the talk to a movie that has good values.

Being young isn’t a hindrance in serving God. You can use your youthful energy and enthusiasm to shine brightly in your corner of the world at school, homeschool events, sports, clubs, tumbling class, music lessons, and home.

Can you think of a time when others didn’t take you seriously because you were young? Don’t let it hold you back. Find one way to be an example to others each day this week.